The Golden Emperor Tesoro was trembling. And trembling violently.
This inexplicable reaction made Baccarat deeply puzzled. Even when facing the World Government, the Navy, and those big shots in the underworld, Lord Tesoro had never lost his composure like this.
Tanaka quickly cut off the live broadcast on the Gran Tesoro, as Tesoro's current state must not be seen by the outside world.
Sanji, who was ready to fight Tesoro, was also confused. What was going on? What was wrong with this guy? Just a moment ago, he was so high and mighty, but now he was trembling?
"Sanji," Reiju suddenly thought of something, her eyes gleaming as she quietly approached Sanji.
"What's up, Reiju?" Sanji's attitude towards Reiju was noticeably different from his attitude towards Ichiji and the others.
"I know who those guys are. I didn't expect them to show up, and it seems time hasn't left any marks on them."
"You know???" Sanji frowned at Reiju, who looked serious.
"Of course, why do you think I'm the elder sister?" Reiju hummed twice, crossing her arms and raising her chin proudly. Perhaps only in front of Sanji and Sora would Reiju show a bit of a girlish demeanor.
"???" Sanji looked at the confident Reiju, even more puzzled.
"Tesoro is acting like that because those guys are backed by someone even more terrifying, someone who was once considered more frightening than Roger by the Celestial Dragons!"
"…" Hearing Reiju's words, Sanji fell silent. Although Reiju didn't mention a name, just knowing that this person was considered more terrifying than Roger by the Celestial Dragons made him guess who it was. After all, Germa had quite comprehensive information on Nicholas.
Although he didn't want to admit it, Sanji fully understood that Tesoro's reaction was normal. After all, the so-called Golden Emperor was nothing in that person's eyes.
But wasn't that person…
Sanji glanced at Katie, Brook, and Urouge, frowning even more. These guys had been silent for so long, why…
A flash of lightning crossed Sanji's mind, and he suddenly looked towards the distant Germa war fortress.
"Is that guy coming back?" Sanji muttered to himself.
"It seems you've guessed it too, Sanji," Reiju said, looking at Sanji. With the continuous gathering of information and the past relationship between Germa and Nicholas, she also understood why Judge wanted to bring Germa 66 into the New World.
It wasn't to expand Germa's territory, but to meet up with Nicholas.
Tesoro had no idea what the others were thinking. Even if he knew, he wouldn't care. Right now, he had only one thought: was that guy still alive?
"King of the Underworld, Brook," Tesoro looked up, unable to hide his excitement as he looked at Brook.
This was completely different from his usual demeanor, even making Tanaka and Baccarat cast puzzled glances.
"Since you've reappeared, then…" The famous Golden Emperor Tesoro's voice trembled noticeably as he spoke.
This reaction showed how much his emotions were fluctuating.
"Did that person come with you?"
"Huh? What are you talking about?" Brook was puzzled by Tesoro's words, not understanding what he meant.
Hearing Brook's words, Tesoro stopped trembling. Then, his Observation Haki spread out rapidly from his body, scanning the surroundings.
He found nothing.
Then, Tesoro's face showed a kind and friendly smile, completely unlike the arrogant Golden Emperor.
"Nothing, since you are Stella's friends, welcome, my most esteemed guests." Tesoro crossed his arms over his chest and bowed slightly, showing the utmost respect to Brook and the others.
In the distance, Tanaka and Baccarat, who witnessed this scene, were extremely shocked. As Tesoro's loyal followers, they knew him well. Not to mention his terrifying strength, the domineering Golden Emperor Tesoro, both in character and actions, was now showing such a side.
This left them in shock, feeling like they were in a dream, unable to believe what was happening before their eyes.
On the Gran Tesoro, Brook and Katie were also puzzled by Tesoro's low posture. What was going on? With him acting so humble, they felt embarrassed to hit him.
Yonji, whose face was deformed, took this opportunity to return to Ichiji and Niji. The three exchanged glances. Given the current situation, they clearly didn't have the qualifications to stay and continue fighting.
A strategic retreat was their only option. They didn't hesitate or feel any psychological burden. Without even greeting Sanji and Reiju, they activated their jet boots and flew towards Germa 66's war fortress.
Neither Tesoro nor Brook and the others had any intention of stopping them. After all, in their eyes, Ichiji and the others were like insects, not worth their interest.
Ichiji didn't notice Tesoro's disregard. All they wanted was to return to Germa's war fortress.
On the Germa war fortress, Judge watched the returning Ichiji, Niji, and Yonji with a gloomy expression. He hadn't expected his proudest creations to be defeated so easily. Could they really hold an important position in Nicholas's eyes?
Judge fell into deep thought, knowing that Nicholas valued Germa 66's modification technology, not their high-end combat power. Moreover, in Nicholas's eyes, their so-called high-end combat power was probably not even worth mentioning.
But they were his own children, and their safe return was a blessing in disguise.
"Detach a ship to head to the Gran Tesoro, the rest stay put!" Judge ordered the modified soldiers beside him.
If Brook and the others hadn't appeared, he would have tried to escape. But now that they had appeared, he couldn't leave. After all, they were technically on the same side.
The Golden Emperor? Just a small fry. In this world, it's all about power and background.
"Yes!" The soldiers immediately took action upon hearing Judge's order.
The island ship, formed by hundreds of ships, began to separate with a deafening roar. The ship under Judge's feet detached and headed towards the Gran Tesoro.